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While attracting cardinals can be relatively straightforward, these beautiful birds might sometimes overlook even the most well-prepared yard. If you’re having trouble drawing them in, there are extra steps you can take to make your yard more inviting for cardinals.
1/ Opt for larger, sturdier feeders that won’t sway, or position feeders on robust poles instead of hanging them to ensure stability during feeding. Placing feeders in areas protected from strong winds can also help prevent any swaying that might startle these shy birds.
2/ Provide a tray, mesh net, or platform beneath hanging feeders or those with narrow perches to offer better space for larger songbirds like cardinals to enjoy their meals. Letting fallen seeds accumulate on the ground for a short while can encourage ground-feeding cardinals to pay a visit.
3/ Strategically place bird feeders in different spots around your yard so that if one feeder gets too crowded, cardinals have another option for easy access to food. By diversifying food sources, you’ll attract more birds without causing overcrowding.
4/ Ensure feeders are filled early in the morning and late in the evening, as cardinals often start and end the day’s feeding routine. If there’s no food available when cardinals arrive, they might leave and not return.
5/Even on the stormiest winter days, make sure to keep feeders filled. Since cardinals remain in the same area year-round, they’ll come to rely on a consistent food source. A dependable winter food supply could even attract a group of cardinals, playfully known as a “radiance” or “Vatican.”
6/ Leave tall, unobstructed branches on trees to provide perches for singing cardinals, especially during the spring and early summer breeding season. This allows birds to establish territory and attract mates more effectively, and it makes spotting singing cardinals much easier.
7/ Take measures to reduce reflective surfaces such as shiny windows, car mirrors, and gleaming equipment that might distract and confuse cardinals. These birds may mistake their reflections for rivals and end up stressed or injured, potentially leading them to seek another yard.
By fulfilling the cardinal’s essential needs for quality food, fresh water, secure shelter, and suitable nesting sites, you can successfully attract these delightful red-feathered friends to your yard, enjoying their presence year-round.
